How to thrive as AI models change industries

Insights from my Readwise highlights

Thriving as models reshape industries—especially with the rapid advance of AI and other general technologies—requires a mix of adaptability, strategic thinking, and leveraging what is most uniquely human. Here are several actionable approaches:

Embrace Change and Flexibility

As technological advances accelerate, it’s crucial to remain flexible and adaptable. The mind “is alive when it is flexible and adaptable... When we lose our ability to adapt, to move with the environment, to tolerate new beliefs and reshape our old ones, our mind is at risk of becoming outdated. The fixed mind becomes a relic” (James Clear on adaptability). Leaders and individuals who treat adaptability as a competitive edge and don't just embrace change, but champion it, will stand out (adaptability as a leader’s edge).

Adopt a Generalist Mindset and Keep Learning

Industries and job roles are increasingly dynamic, shifting from repetitive tasks to strategic and creative roles. Continual learning, experimentation, and expanding broader networks are essential. Embrace the shift from specialization to generalist skills that allow you to pivot and solve new problems as they arise (the power of being a generalist).

Use and Understand (but Don’t Blindly Trust) Models

Models—be they AI or mental models—are simplifications that help you navigate complexity, but they’re always imperfect. Consider multiple models, compare their perspectives, and remember they need regular updating as reality shifts (using a latticework of models for wisdom; the importance of multiple models). Mastery of models enhances reasoning, explanation, and prediction (benefits of mastering models).

Focus on Human Skills

As routine knowledge work becomes automated, “wisdom—skills like emotional clarity, discernment, and connection” will become ever more indispensable (wisdom as the differentiator). Similarly, “human taste” in creativity and unpredictability, as well as entrepreneurial, communicative, and artistic strengths, will set people apart in an AI-enhanced world (human taste drives true creativity; focus on being an entrepreneur, communicator, or creative user of tools).

Experiment and Proactively Leverage Tools

With easy-to-use AI, “everyone will be applying it to the problems they want to solve” and, while it will not suit every case, the impacts will be broad and sometimes unexpected. Start experimenting and using tools creatively in your own context (AI’s unexpected impacts; overcome inertia with AI).

Strategic and Critical Thinking

As barriers drop and old structures become obsolete, success will increasingly go to those who are able to see through complexity, use appropriate mental models, and think at higher levels (super models as shortcuts to higher-level thinking; mental models shape how we think, infer, and reason).

Stay in the Game and Seek Opportunity

The most significant failures come from opting out, not from setbacks. Keep experimenting, learning, and staying engaged with the evolving landscape (keep trying, don’t leave the game). With new technologies, entrepreneurial opportunities will be larger and more varied than ever (AI as massive entrepreneurial opportunity; Bill Gates on AI fundamentally changing industries).

Summary

Be adaptable, become a lifelong learner and generalist, leverage and understand models (without blind reliance), double down on human strengths (wisdom, taste, empathy), experiment with AI tools, think strategically, and always stay engaged. The winners in times of rapid change will be those who can reframe challenges as opportunities and act with both rigor and creativity.